All articles tagged with #segregation
Claudette Colvin, who was 15 when she refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955 and later became a named plaintiff in the case that ended bus segregation, has died at 86 in Texas. The death was announced by the Claudette Colvin Legacy Foundation, and she is remembered as a pivotal early figure in the civil rights movement.
Zohran Mamdani proposes ending the city's gifted and talented program for kindergarteners, aligning with former Mayor de Blasio's 2021 plan, citing concerns over fairness and segregation, while facing criticism from opponents like Andrew Cuomo who advocate for expanding rigorous educational opportunities and maintaining mayoral control of schools.
Joseph McNeil, a key figure in the 1960 Greensboro sit-in that helped ignite the civil rights movement, died at 83. He and his classmates from North Carolina A&T State University challenged segregation at Woolworth’s lunch counter, inspiring nationwide protests and contributing to the eventual desegregation of lunch counters across the U.S. McNeil's activism was driven by a desire for dignity and equality, and he later served in the Air Force and worked in aviation safety.
Joseph McNeil, a civil rights pioneer known for his role in the 1960 Greensboro lunch counter sit-in, has died at age 83. As one of the original 'A&T Four,' his peaceful protest helped ignite a nationwide movement against segregation, leading to significant legislative changes. McNeil later served as a two-star general and was celebrated for his courage and leadership in promoting social justice.
France blocked access to four Israeli arms manufacturers' stands at the Paris Air Show for displaying offensive weapons, citing violations of agreements, which Israeli officials condemned as discriminatory and unjustified. The move sparked criticism from Israeli and US officials, with some viewing it as politically motivated segregation.
Republican Senator Tim Scott falsely claimed on CNN that President Joe Biden's policies are resegregating public schools by eliminating charter schools, despite federal funding for charter schools remaining unchanged since 2019. Research indicates that the rise of charter schools has actually contributed to increasing segregation over the past 30 years. This claim is part of a broader effort by Donald Trump's campaign to attract Black and minority voters, as recent polls show a slight increase in Trump's support among these demographics.
Historians and museum curators share lesser-known moments in U.S. Black history, including the deadly voting rights campaign known as Freedom Summer, the successful Black labor rights movement during the Great Depression, and the long fight for desegregation in schools. Black history education has become a source of contention in schools and universities, with several laws restricting certain lessons on race. Historians argue that these restrictions limit the information taught about racial history in the United States, and emphasize the importance of community-led spaces in understanding the not-so-distant racial history.
Officials at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, have confirmed the location of the lost Port Tampa Cemetery, a burial site for many Black families during segregation, after an archeological survey identified 121 possible graves. Research and surveys will continue through 2024, with plans to expand the search area. The discovery has brought a sense of closure and a solemn feeling, with community stakeholders discussing potential actions for a memorial at the site.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which have been established since the Six-Day War in 1967, have led to a highly segregated and unequal situation between Palestinian and Jewish residents. Settler violence, including attacks on Palestinians and their property, occurs with impunity, as legal repercussions are rare. The international community and the United States will need to address the lack of basic civil rights for Palestinians living under Israeli rule in order to achieve a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Marine Corps is gradually integrating basic training at boot camp, but the process has been slow and at times reluctant. While men and women train together in some activities, such as combat and obstacle courses, they remain segregated in smaller platoons. Marine leaders argue that this separation is necessary to mold individuals into a cohesive team, while critics argue that it reinforces the stigma of women being treated differently. The Marine Corps recently deactivated the 4th Marine Recruit Training Battalion, which had been the women's unit since 1986. By 2024, training at both Marine Recruit Depots will be fully integrated.
Cherbourg, an Australian community built on racial segregation, is grappling with the upcoming referendum on whether to recognize First Nations people in the constitution and create a Voice to Parliament. The community, which was once a government reserve for forcibly relocated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, has made progress in recent years but still faces disparities in areas such as infant mortality, employment, suicide, and incarceration. The referendum is on track to fail, with polls showing a divide among Australians. Supporters argue for constitutional recognition and a permanent body to address Indigenous issues, while opponents believe it embeds division and want more accountability in Indigenous programs.
Ruth Simmons, a groundbreaking educator and the first African American woman to head an Ivy League university, recounts her remarkable journey from a deeply segregated and impoverished upbringing in Texas to becoming a distinguished educator in her new memoir, "Up Home: One Girl's Journey." Simmons reflects on her childhood experiences, the impact of community centers like Hester House, and the transformative power of education and mentorship in shaping her life. She highlights the importance of reaching out to others and the significance of language and literature in her personal growth.
In 1963, a group of young Black girls participated in a peaceful protest in Americus, Georgia, during the Civil Rights Movement. They were arrested and taken to the Leesburg Stockade, where they were held for nearly 60 days in inhumane conditions. The girls were eventually freed after their story gained national attention through photographs taken by a White photographer. Despite the trauma, many of the girls went on to achieve success and resilience, using their experience to fuel their determination for change.
Savannah resident Ralph Stell reflects on attending the March on Washington in 1963, organized by his mother and the local NAACP chapter. Stell was moved by Dr. Martin Luther King's speech and became aware of the segregation in Savannah during that time. He acknowledges the progress made over the past 60 years but believes there is still work to be done for equality.
At least 24 Black deaf students who attended a segregated school on the grounds of Gallaudet University in the 1950s will finally receive their high school diplomas during a graduation ceremony hosted by the university. These students were previously denied diplomas despite attending school, and the event aims to acknowledge and rectify past racial and educational injustices. The students were only able to attend the school after a legal battle against segregation, and their education was primarily focused on vocational studies rather than academics. This ceremony is seen as a significant step in recognizing the history and stories of the Black deaf community.